Since I last wrote about Daredevil: Born Again, another four episodes of the show have been released. Although I haven’t seen the seventh episode yet, I think we now have enough of a sample to compare it to its predecessor: Daredevil. Firstly, when comparing these two shows, it’s important to note that one is a lot longer. The original Netflix series had three seasons with a sound ending. Meanwhile, Daredevil: Born Again, Disney’s extension of the old series is only seven episodes into its first season. This difference is important to consider because we haven’t seen the conclusion of Born Again. However, looking at the reviews of these two shows, we already see quite a contrast between what fans think. Daredevil received a 92% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes in addition to an 89% audience rating, whereas Born Again had an 87% critics score and an 80% audience rating. Despite this difference in ratings, I don’t think the quality of the series has deteriorated too much.
Born Again manages to replicate much of what made the original series so great. The acting is excellent, with Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio reprising their roles to perfection. The show has also done a solid job of maintaining the original tone of the series making it gritty, grounded, and dramatic. Additionally, it is packed with fast-paced, exciting fight scenes. I thought that the fight scenes in the show which were a central element might’ve been worsened under Disney. For the most part, that hasn’t been the case. Born Again has managed to maintain its quality in different fight scenes. It’s not like the violence is for nothing. It’s all been carefully utilized in order to further the plot of the show.
I’ve also noticed that the sequel has improved on some things as well. The pacing seems to be more well-balanced in certain episodes. Whereas the original series did a lot of great things, it was more of a slow burn. That could be frustrating at times. Born Again does not take that approach and a lot is constantly happening. In fact, it almost feels like this show is over even though we have a few more episodes which is great. Born Again has also more of a connectivity within the MCU which is a positive. Sometimes with some of the older Netflix shows, it felt very disconnected from everything else. The showrunners don’t make that mistake here, and incorporate a range of vigilantes and cameos from old characters which help to further the plot. Seeing the Punisher and other small characters helped to solidify that this is in the MCU.
Even with all this, the show definitely still has some weaknesses compared to the original. It has received its fair share of criticism and at times for good reason. One of the things that Born Again hasn’t done well is the focus of its plot. It feels like there are too many stories going on at times. For example, there’s numerous subplots about a bank heist and a serial killer in the first season, which draw viewers away from the main focus. I think that the original series did a much better job of staying focused on the main storyline. Those sidetracks would be better if they explored additional side characters, which they have not. So far with Daredevil: Born Again, there has also been a lesser focus on side characters. In the original series, it made sure to develop those other characters which made it more interesting. The last thing I’ll mention as well as is the dialogue. The dialogue in the newer series hasn’t been bad by any means, but I’ve felt like it’s failed to replicate some of the moments from the Netflix one. The Netflix series had excellent dialogue. It also had higher emotional peaks. However, Born Again has good deliveries from their actors so it hasn’t hurt the show too much.
That said, I still think Born Again was a well-done sequel. I wasn’t as worried about its decrease in quality because of the fact that a lot of the original cast was coming back, and so far I’ve been pleased. Overall, I’d still say the original series was still slightly better, but Daredevil: Born Again does a great job of telling the continuation of that story. Additionally, I think there’s still time for Born Again to surpass Daredevil in overall quality in future seasons. Especially given the fact that Born Again underwent a lot of reshoots. Either way, I’d recommend watching Born Again if you are a fan of the original since it manages to keep a lot of what made it enjoyable. It also stays true to the comic storyline, which is a nice added bonus.
